Washington State testing Astucia SolarLite road studs

This weekend, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) maintenance crews plan to install Astucia SolarLite solar-powered road studs as part of a test project on the centerline of a stretch of SR 530 which has a history of run-off-the-road collisions.
January 31, 2012 Read time: 1 min

This weekend, 451 Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) maintenance crews plan to install 1875 Astucia SolarLite solar-powered road studs as part of a test project on the centerline of a stretch of SR 530 which has a history of run-off-the-road collisions. Depending on the results of the tests and available funding, WSDOT says it will consider investing in additional test areas on other roadway surfaces or situations.

The solar-powered LED road reflectors, from UK-headquartered Astucia, part of the 557 Clearview Traffic Group, automatically illuminate from dusk to dawn to provide ten times greater visibility for drivers than traditional retro-reflective studs which are limited by the vehicle’s headlight beam.

“We often hear from drivers who are concerned about visibility in rain and snow,” said Dave McCormick, WSDOT assistant regional administrator for maintenance and operations. “We’re excited to test this cutting-edge technology to see whether it helps improve visibility and safety for drivers. If we get good results, we will look into using the reflectors on future safety projects.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: a solution or another problem?
    November 27, 2013
    Do Advanced Driver Assistance Systems represent a positive step forward for safety, or something of a safety risk? Jason Barnes discusses the issue with leading industry figures. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are already common. Anti-lock brakes or electronic stability control are well understood and are either fitted as standard or frequently requested by new vehicle buyers. More advanced ADAS features are appearing on many top-end vehicles and the trickle-down has already started. Adaptive
    Read More
  • SmogStop aims to clear the air
    February 17, 2020
    Air quality is an increasing issue for the ITS industry - but Envision SQ has something which can work alongside traffic calming measures to cut emissions
    Read More
  • Righter shade of pale
    July 24, 2012
    Jon Tarleton, Quixote Transportation Technologies, Inc., talks about developments in mobile weather information gathering Quixote Transportation Technologies, Inc. (QTT) is promoting the greater use of mobile technologies to provide infill between fixed Road Weather Information System (RWIS) infrastructure. It is, the company says, a means of reducing the expense of providing comprehensive, network-wide coverage, particularly in geographic locations where the sheer number of centreline miles causes cost to
    Read More
  • Nissan debuts smart rearview mirror
    April 14, 2014
    Car maker Nissan has launched its smart rearview mirror, said to be the world's first LCD monitor that helps provide clear rearward visibility unimpeded by traditional obstacles such as cargo, tall passengers, inclement weather or the design of a vehicle. Installed in an all-new 2014 Rogue on show at the forthcoming New York International Auto Show, the smart rearview mirror allows the driver to switch between the LCD monitor and the conventional rearview mirror. Housed within the structure of the con
    Read More

Highlighted Content